Backwaters is one of the major tourism product of Kerala, being
unique to the state. Traditionally used as one of the main
transportation alleys, today backwaters offer a rejuvenating experience
for tourists visiting Kerala.
The backwaters can be explored by hiring a boat for one or
several days. If you go for more than a day, the boat usually comes with
a navigator and a cook, which provide you with various facilities when
exploring the backwaters.
The most beautiful and accessible part of the back waters is the Astamudi Lake located in district in Kollam.
This is one of the largest fresh-water lake in India, with numerous
navigable canals and rivers interconnecting almost all regions of south
Kerala. The Astamudi is also home of several endangered marine species
with rich bio-diversity. This lake is world-renowned for its natural
beauty and large expanse of water, sandwiched between towns of Kollam.
This is the most visited tourist area in South India and enthralls
visitors all over world. Houseboat tourism, made this backwaters
popular, where tourists can stay overnight in luxurious houseboats,
enjoying natural beauty and wind off their stress
Next is Vembanad backwater stretch located in districts of Ernakulam, Alapuzha & Kottayam area.The Cochin coast is dotted with numerous islands interconnected by
ferries and bridges, adorning the Queen of the Arabian Sea like a
necklace of pearls. The islands break the waves from the sea, thus
ensuring that the back waters are calm and navigable. Among the islands,
Wellingdon Island deserves special mention as it houses the Port of
Cochin and the largest Naval presence in India: the Southern Naval
Command
